GoodspeedMusicalsAnnouncestheAndrewA.IsenPrize

Goodspeed Musicals announces the establishment of The Andrew A. Isen Prize at Goodspeed Musicals. The prize, to be given annually, will recognize a young person between the ages of 20-29 who has demonstrated excellence in their work during the previous Goodspeed Musicals season. Fellowship candidates include early career artisans, technicians, designers, assistants, stage managers, and administrators.

Each March, Goodspeed will award $5,000 to an honoree – chosen by committee – to aid in their pursuit of a career in musical theatre. The inaugural prize will be awarded in 2019 for candidates from the 2018 season. Application information will be made available to eligible candidates during their time at Goodspeed.

This award is funded through a generous gift given by DC-based entrepreneur and musical theatre devotee Andrew A. Isen and was created to give young people who are in the early stages of professional development financial assistance and encouragement to focus on artistic excellence. The establishment of this award with Goodspeed Musicals will also serve to enhance Goodspeed’s efforts to recruit exceptional apprentices, technicians, designers, and other theater professionals.

“In creating this award at Goodspeed, we were really thinking outside the box,” explained Isen. “There are many established fellowships that acknowledge young writers and performers, but we wanted to include artisans, technicians, designers, assistants, stage managers, and administrators in this endeavor to support young people just starting out in musical theatre. The thing that gives me so much pleasure is that we’ll be recognizing people who would never be considered for an award like this, and it’s never been done before."

“This all came about because I wanted to make a difference in the lives of young people working to make a life in musical theatre,” Isen shared. “I feel passionate about this opportunity to give back. It just feels right. Establishing this award in conjunction with Goodspeed Musicals is a dream come true. I have been warmly welcomed into the Goodspeed family.”

Goodspeed’s Executive Director, Michael Gennaro, echoes Isen’s enthusiasm and is appreciative of his efforts. “It is part of our mission to develop and train young professionals to become future leaders in musical theatre. This prize, which focuses on young people from all disciplines, is especially unique because it supports those who are rarely ever recognized. We are grateful to Mr. Isen for his generosity and vision. This award will have a positive impact on both Goodspeed’s future as well as our field of musical theatre”